Star Radio launches a search for platelet donors

We are proud to be helping the search for platelet donors across the region. About 6 months ago I decided to attempt to organise a blood donor session at the radio station. Rather than just talk about it I like to make things happen and the result of that idea is revealed in an NHS press release about Star Radio today…..

Presenters and staff at Star Radio in Cambridge are supporting NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in their campaign to find more platelet donors for the Cambridge Blood Donor Centre.

A one-off platelet testing session is being held at a mobile blood unit at Star Radio’s studios in Mercer’s Row, Cambridge on Friday 18 May from 10am – 2pm.

The mobile unit will be in the radio station’s car park and local people are being asked to make an appointment to be tested to see if they’re suitable for platelet donation, as only around one in four people normally have a high enough platelet count.

As a local station for the Cambridge area, Star Radio are hoping that the recruitment and testing day will attract many more donors.

Star Radio News Editor, Emma Howgego said: “We approached the blood service to see if we could help encourage more people to give whole blood. However, when we found out that Cambridge Donor Centre is one of only two centres in the East of England to collect platelets we decided there and then we wanted to get involved with promoting platelet donation.

“Most of our staff and presenters have never given blood and they’re all going to lead by example and be tested on the day to see if they can become platelet donors. And to say thank you to those that come along, we’ll even show them around the Star Radio studios afterwards and give them a cup of tea.”

Many hospitals across East Anglia are supplied from donations made at the Cambridge Donor Centre on the Addenbrookes Hospital site.

Platelets are tiny cells in the blood which help to stem blood loss by enabling clotting and crucial supplies only have a seven day shelf-life. Platelet transfusions are often needed for very ill patients whose bone marrow isn’t working properly, including cancer or leukaemia sufferers undergoing chemotherapy.

Georgina Norris, Donor Relations Co-ordinator for NHSBT, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Star Radio have come on board with us to attract more platelet donors, so we can ensure a safe and sufficient supply of platelets for all those patients who need them.”

Platelet donors are encouraged to donate regularly, at least once a month and more if possible. You could become a platelet donor if you are between 17 and 65. If you are aged 66 – 70 you need to have given blood before, and if you are over 70 then you need to have given a full blood donation in the last two years.

Anybody who wants to provide a sample on 18 May should make an appointment by contacting Emma Howgego at emma.howgego@star107.co.uk or call 01223 305107 during office hours.